Former Liverpool star Steve Nicol has suggested that Jurgen Klopp’s lack of prioritisation could end up hurting the club this season.
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Speaking to ESPN FC, Nicol insisted that he has been impressed with what the German tactician has achieved so far since arriving at Anfield, as the former Dortmund boss has won seven of the 11 games that he has been in charge of in all competitions.
However, with Liverpool advancing to the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup and having progressed to the knockout stages of the Europa League with the FA Cup still to come, Nicol is wary of the impact that the cup competitions will have on the club’s hopes in the Premier League.
The Reds are just four points behind fourth-placed Arsenal in the race to qualify for the Champions League next season, while they are only six points adrift of joint league leaders Manchester City and Leicester City.
As a result, many would expect Klopp to prioritise the league given that the club seemingly have a realistic chance of breaking back into the top four and perhaps achieving even more.
In addition, given the depth in the squad when the German coach has a fully fit group at his disposal, there is an argument to suggest that he could continue with his current approach and try to win silverware both at home and abroad.
Klopp welcomed back Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson from injury this week as both featured in the 6-1 Capital One Cup win over Southampton on Wednesday night, and so he will undoubtedly have more options available in the coming weeks if they maintain their fitness.
While Nicol’s point is undoubtedly a valid one, if the opportunity to compete on various fronts is there for Klopp and he is confident that he has a squad that can cope with the strain, then he will more than likely continue down his current path.